The Department of Restorative Dentistry focuses on the treatment of existing cavities in adult individuals, as well as preventive measures for dental diseases. It also deals with aesthetic restorative procedures required due to fractures, developmental and hereditary dental color and shape disorders, and all whitening treatments for discolored teeth.
In our clinic:
- Morphological changes in dental tissue caused by various factors (such as cavities, trauma-related fractures, etc.) are treated using restorative filling materials. Different filling materials like dental amalgam, composite resin, and glass ionomer may be preferred for this purpose.
- Preventive treatments (cavity prevention) for adult patients.
- Aesthetic interventions for tooth fractures following trauma.
- Diastema closure (treatment of gaps between teeth that are too large or disproportionate).
- Treatment of tooth sensitivity.
- Teeth whitening procedures.
- Aesthetic dental procedures such as composite-porcelain veneers and inlays-onlays.
- Post applications inside root-treated teeth.
These are some of the restorative treatments provided in our clinic.
After the initial examination, patients referred to our clinic undergo a general and intraoral evaluation for restorative treatments. Following this evaluation, the patient is informed about the treatment plan, and after obtaining their consent, the treatment is carried out along with ongoing follow-up care. In our Restorative Dentistry Clinic, we provide services to our patients using the latest treatment options, following the most recent advancements in science and technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pay attention to before my appointment?
Depending on the anesthesia requirements, you must come with a full stomach for your restorative dental treatment clinical examination and treatment appointments. Additionally, for your treatments to begin in the Restorative Dentistry clinic, your treatments in the Periodontology clinic must be completed.
Should I stop taking the medications I use daily due to chronic conditions before my appointment?
No. During your first appointment at the Restorative Dentistry Clinic, if your doctor deems necessary, they will contact your physician to make a decision about medication use based on the relationship between your chronic condition and the planned dental treatment.
Is anesthesia applied before the filling procedure?
Anesthesia is decided based on the depth and/or width of the cavity in the tooth or the proximity of the treatment area to the living tissue (pulp) inside the tooth, regardless of the cavity. The tooth and surrounding tissues are numbed using local anesthesia techniques. Restorative procedures can be performed without anesthesia if it is not necessary.
How long does the numbness last?
The numbness in the anesthetized area lasts for approximately 2-4 hours. Therefore, to prevent injury to the inside of the cheek and lips due to biting, it is recommended to avoid eating and drinking until the numbness wears off.
What should I pay attention to immediately after a filling?
The numbness from the anesthesia continues for some time after the procedure. Therefore, to prevent injury to the inside of the cheek and lips due to biting, it is recommended to avoid eating and drinking until the numbness subsides. Once the numbness wears off, extra care should be taken with the treated tooth and surrounding tissues for an additional 1-2 days. Avoid consuming very hot or cold foods and drinks during this period. The filled tooth should also be protected from strong chewing forces during this time.
Will there be pain after the filling procedure?
After the restoration, temporary sensitivity may occur for a period (approximately 3-4 weeks, gradually decreasing) depending on the amount of tissue loss in the tooth and the condition of the dental pulp. This sensitivity can be more pronounced, especially when the procedure is very close to or creates small openings in the live nerve tissue (pulp) of the tooth. After pulp capping (protective treatment of the pulp), this sensitivity might become more noticeable. The details of the procedure and the potential pain process will be explained by your dentist.
How long does a dental filling last?
The success of fillings depends on the retention of the treated tooth, the amount of decayed tissue removed, and the patient's oral hygiene habits. When proper dental check-ups and oral hygiene practices are maintained, fillings can last for many years on the teeth.
Can a filled tooth decay again?
Regardless of the treatments applied, new cavities can always form in the teeth. After a filling, patients must clean their teeth more carefully and follow the oral hygiene practices recommended by the dentist according to their risk of cavities (such as regular brushing, flossing, diet control, and advanced cavity prevention treatments).
Which toothpaste should I use?
There are various types of toothpaste available, each with different effects. After a dental examination, your dentist can inform you about the most suitable toothpaste based on your needs. You can consult your dentist after treatment for further guidance.
Is pregnancy a barrier to filling treatments?
In dental treatments, the type of procedure, potential stress it may cause, the type of anesthesia and antibiotics used, prescribed medications, radiographic applications, and the stage of pregnancy (1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimester) can all present various risks. To prevent potential pregnancy complications, it is important to inform the relevant dentist and radiology technician.
What should I pay attention to after teeth whitening treatments?
After whitening, it is important to avoid tea, coffee, cigarettes, cola, red wine, acidic drinks, and colorful foods for about 2 days (ideally 7-10 days), as the whitening effect continues in the inner layers of the tooth. During this period, it is recommended to refrain from consuming colored foods and drinks.
Can sensitivity occur after teeth whitening treatment?
All whitening gels can cause some level of sensitivity, which may vary from person to person. Sensitivity can occur with cold or hot drinks. If sensitivity arises, a fluoride treatment applied by the dentist can help reduce this discomfort. Additionally, toothpastes containing potassium nitrate and a high level of fluoride can also be used to alleviate sensitivity. The details of these treatments will be explained by your dentist. If you experience sensitivity after the treatment, please consult your dentist.
Will my teeth return to their original color after whitening?
After teeth whitening, the teeth may revert to their original color within 6 months to 2 years. This period can vary depending on the patient's eating habits and tooth structure. Teeth should be checked 6 months after whitening, and if necessary, a professional cleaning, polishing, or at-home whitening treatment can be applied annually. To maintain the whiteness of the teeth for a longer period, the patient should pay attention to oral hygiene.
What should I pay attention to after aesthetic filling on my front teeth?
It is recommended not to bite on hard objects with the filled teeth, and not to open shell food items with them. It is also advised to avoid drinks that can stain teeth, such as coffee, or to brush your teeth immediately after consuming such beverages.
Title/ Full Name | Position | |
Assistant Prof. Mehmet BULDUR | Department Chair | mehmetbuldur@comu.edu.tr |
Associate Prof. Tuğba MİSİLLİ | Faculty Member | tugbamisilli@comu.edu.tr |
Assistant Prof. Gizem AYAN | Faculty Member | gizem.ayan@comu.edu.tr |